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The 5 Best Gaming PCs Under $1000
Which are the best gaming PCs under $1000 right now?
The best gaming PC under $1000 can give you several bells and whistles that fit right within your budget.
Instead of investing several thousand into your first gaming PC, why not opt for something built for your basic needs?
Some of the most affordable models have plenty to offer for high-res graphics and spectacular performance.
The 5 Best Gaming Desktops Under $1000 Reviewed
To truly understand the benefits of affordable gaming PCs, it’s important to consider their features.
Below, we discussed the most impressive gaming PCs that you can use to dive into PC gaming for the first time.
1. CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC
When looking for the best pre-built gaming PC, you’ll want to ensure it has everything you’d want in a custom kit.
The CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC is an excellent option for multiple games paired with a stylish aesthetic.
Review
Let’s explore some of the best features this PC has to offer to help you decide if it’s worth your money.
- VR-Ready
By far, the most notable feature of this PC is that it arrives VR-ready, allowing you to explore the more in-depth world of gaming.
Whether you prefer to use Oculus Rift or the HTC VIVE, this system is natively built to accommodate both.
There’s no doubt this is a fantastic option if you’re in the market for the best gaming desktop with native features.
- RGB Keyboard and Mouse
Aside from the PC itself, you’ll also receive a couple of peripherals with your package.
You’ll find a tremendous RGB keyboard and mouse combo along with the desktop, making it an all-in-one solution for your needs.
The only extra thing you’ll have to consider purchasing is a monitor.
- RGB Lighting
This desktop is natively designed to offer RGB lighting to enhance your setup with the mouse and keyboard.
There are seven colors in the color scheme, as well as case lighting that you’ll love customizing.
With the tempered glass side panel’s stunning clarity, you can create the perfect gaming environment.
- Video Card
This PC has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB Video Card that offers superb graphics and playability.
It is ideal if you’re looking to upgrade from a standard PC to a model designed for entry-level gamers.
You’ll find that landscapes and movement in modern games will be more seamless with finer details you can appreciate.
Pros:
- Zero stutters on max settings
- Easily customizable
- Durably designed tower
- Ideal for starter gamers
Cons:
- Lacks mounting space
- Fan upgrade is recommended
2. SkyTech Archangel Gaming Computer
There’s no doubt this PC is one of the more attractive designs you’re likely to find at this budget.
It’s also built with a Ryzen 5 3600, which is excellent for several top-tier titles for seamless gameplay.
Review
Let’s get into some of the most impressive details of the SkyTech Archangel Gaming Computer.
- System
The system in this PC is a great budget-friendly option for the majority of popular game titles.
You’ll have an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core 12-Thread CPU paired with a 500 GB SSD, which is significantly faster than an HDD.
As an added benefit, this PC arrives 4K and is VR-ready, so you can make the most of the best graphics on the market.
- Graphics Card
With the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, you’ll have a 4GB graphics card to accommodate your VR gaming.
Also, this model has a high-performance stock cooler which can assist with optimal heat dissipation.
If you’ve owned a PC in the past that was prone to overheat, this stock cooler is a significant upgrade.
- Connectivity
When choosing the best pre-built gaming PC, connectivity is an important feature to consider.
This model comes equipped with 802.11AC WiFi as well as one DisplayPort and one guaranteed HDMI connection.
You can install HD audio and an HD mic, perfect for chatting with your friends on Discord.
A couple of other connectivity options to consider are the USB ports.
There are two USB 3.0 ports paired with four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports on this model.
Pros:
- Great RGB lighting
- Whisper quiet
- Sleek and stylish
- Convenient built-in WiFi
Cons:
- Lacks storage and RAM
- Flawed keyboard
3. OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC
The OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC is right at the threshold for the best pre-built gaming PC under $1000.
With that said, it’s packed with several great features that make it one of the top performers in its category.
Review
There are several great highlights you’ll want to consider with the OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC, such as:
- Improved Graphics Card
Compared to other gaming PCs at this price point, this model offers impressive graphics for all-day play.
With the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, you’ll have access to real-time ray tracing paired with fast performance.
- Easily Upgradable
Another great feature of the OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC is it’s ready to grow with you as your gaming needs change.
Its intuitively designed case allows you to get inside of the tower simpler with its tool-less design.
- Clear Side Panel
Instead of an entire glass case, there’s a single clear side panel built into the tower.
You’ll be able to show off your favorite internal components and access RGB lighting effects through the included software.
- Added Support
There’s no doubt you’ll want to upgrade your gaming PC in the future.
This model is designed to support micro-ATX motherboards paired with its galvanized steel chassis.
Along with its tool-less case, it also boasts an angled design, making it significantly easier to mount new equipment.
Another great feature is how it effortlessly manages cables.
With the intuitive cable management system, your internal components will look perfectly organized for a sleeker appeal.
- System
As with any PC, it’s important to consider the fundamental components of the rig.
This model comes with 8GB of HyperX Memory paired with an Intel Core i5-10400F processor.
You’ll also have WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5 paired with 512GB of SSD.
Pros:
- Impressive speeds
- Fantastic stock performance
- Well-placed USB ports
- Arrives with keyboard and mouse
Cons:
- Considerable fan load
- Messier wiring than expected
4. iBUYPOWER Element Mini 9300 Gaming PC
Finding the perfect compact gaming PC can be challenging, which is where the iBUYPOWER Element Mini 9300 Gaming PC comes in.
It has plenty of great features within its small package, making it the ideal choice for entry-level setups and home offices.
Review
Let’s get into some of the best features the iBUYPOWER Element Mini 9300 Gaming PC offers.
- Compact Design
Compared to the standard Element and other iBUYPOWER PCs, this rig is significantly smaller at 20.2×19.3×12.5 inches.
With that said, the internal chassis is large enough for most components, including its midsize motherboard.
If you intend to upgrade certain specs, like storage, you’ll find the chassis will support most items.
- Tool-Less Design
Another feature that makes this PC great for upgrades is that it features a tool-less design.
All you have to do is unscrew the thumbnail screws on the side to remove the glass panel.
From there, you can access your graphics card, SSD, motherboard, and RAM.
- Integrated Ports and Connectivity
You can guarantee there aren’t any ports lacking from this PC that you’re likely to need.
There are six total USB ports, an audio 7.1 channel, as well as Ethernet connectivity.
You’ll also have one additional HDMI, one DisplayPort, and one DVI input.
- Performance
Overall, this PC’s performance is what you’d expect from most entry-level models.
It has an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor paired with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 240GB SSD.
On average, you should be able to get as high as 63 FPS with most fast-paced titles, like Battlefield, on lower settings.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Assortment of ports
- Sleek and stylish
- Thorough RGB lighting
Cons:
- Lacks interior space
- Will require upgrades
5. HP ENVY Desktop Computer
The HP ENVY Desktop Computer is a fantastic solution as a significant upgrade to your existing gaming setup.
With plenty of storage, a fast processor, and multiple connectivity options, it’s a fabulous addition to your gear.
Review
This PC offers a few impressive highlights, allowing you to make the most out of all-day gaming sessions.
- Improved Processor
Compared to other PCs at the same price point, this model’s processor performs exceptionally well under pressure.
With this prebuilt, you’ll receive a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10700 processor with eight cores.
Also, it boasts 4.8GHz Intel Turbo Boost Technology for even speedier performance.
- Storage
Another helpful feature you’ll love immediately is the amount of internal storage the PC offers.
You’ll have a 1TB 7200RPM SATA hard drive paired with a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Connectivity
This computer doesn’t lack any connectivity options since it arrives Realtek WiFi 5-enabled, but it also comes Bluetooth 4.2-ready.
You will have one Type-C SuperSpeed USB, four USB 2.0 Type-A ports at the rear, and four SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports at the front.
As an added benefit, you’ll also have an HDMI-Out port, as well as a VGA port.
- Additional Features
Outside of gaming, several extras are included with this PC.
You’ll have access to a built-in DVD writer as well as a three-in-one media card reader.
It also arrives natively ready for multiple monitors, making it a fantastic solution for as many displays as you need.
Pros:
- Speedy boots
- No bloatware
- High-quality mouse and keyboard
- Ample connection ports
Cons:
- Single HDMI port
- Some USB ports freeze
Buyer’s Guide
There are several important things to consider when you start searching for the best gaming desktop.
By considering these specs, you can find an affordable rig that performs to your expectations.
Price
PC’s pricing is unique compared to other items, as you genuinely pay for what you get.
The more expensive a PC is, the higher-quality its components are, especially in a regular market.
At this time, though, PC prices have begun to soar due to a shortage of chips and other components.
If you’re working with a tight budget, finding a gaming PC under $1000 is your best bet as a beginner-friendly model.
It’s important to consider the type of games you’ll be playing before settling on a model.
If you typically play graphics-rich titles like Cyberpunk 2077, you must adjust your budget to allow for higher-quality components.
System Performance
The performance of your gaming PC is one of its most essential features since it determines how usable it is.
Not only will you want to take its processor into account, but also its storage and memory.
Cooling is another critical factor that can significantly impact its performance, as well as the graphics card.
The majority of prebuilt models will offer components at the same level, allowing for upgrades if necessary.
For an entry-level, affordable PC, the following components are recommended for top-tier performance:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-11400
- Video Card: AMD RX 5600 XT
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- SSD: 480GB minimum
Case Design and Aesthetics
There’s no doubt you’re going to want to purchase a PC that helps elevate your setup’s appeal.
In fact, one of the most exciting parts of buying a gaming PC is finding one that looks sleek, stylish, and modern.
When searching for a suitable PC, you’re going to need a case that not only accommodates upgrades but that looks great.
There should be plenty of space within the case to allow for additional peripherals, such as upgraded storage.
You’ll also want to ensure the case is easy to access so you don’t run the chance of ruining your new PC.
RGB lighting is another feature many gamers look into, as it allows you to add fun lighting elements to your rig.
Ports and Connectivity
Your PC’s ports can affect everything from using jump drives to connecting a monitor.
You’ll want to take all of your extra gear into account to ensure you have the correct number of ports available.
For example, if you like to run dual HDMI monitors, you’ll need a minimum of two HDMI ports on your PC.
It’s also important to note USB ports, as more devices are solely USB-enabled to be used.
When it comes to connectivity, WiFi and Bluetooth are two technologies to consider.
It’s best to find a PC with built-in WiFi capabilities, so you don’t have to rely solely on Ethernet.
Future Upgradability
As the world of gaming changes, the requirements of the best pre-built gaming PC change.
You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a model that can grow with you, allowing significant upgrades.
Eventually, you’ll need more storage, a better video card, and even a faster processor.
Our Final Best Gaming PC Under 1000 Recommendation
The OMEN 25L Gaming Desktop PC is our pick for the best gaming PC under $1000 with its remarkable features.
Not only is it designed specifically for gamers, but it features plenty of upgraded features for a more seamless experience.
You’ll love the graphics it displays as well as its functionality to help you make the most of modern games.
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